Iowa City restaurants want city to lower patio fees to aid in pandemic recovery

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The town of Iowa Metropolis has waived patio charges for eating places for the final two years, however now that they have been again, some enterprise house owners want to see them lowered.

Burger Haul, situated on the Pedestrian Mall, opened within the early days of the pandemic. Yolanda Robinson, the restaurant’s house owners, mentioned that she has liked making flame-broiled burgers however didn’t love paying 1000’s in patio charges whereas nonetheless coping with the residual results of the pandemic.

“We’re feeling the results greater than ever,” Robinson mentioned. “We nonetheless should take care of the excessive supply prices, individuals aren’t going out as a lot, and staffing.”

Robinson just isn’t the one one paying so her clients may get pleasure from her burgers outdoors. Greater than 30 different eating places and cafes pay the town to make use of its proper–of–method.

“Smaller patios may cost $1,500 to $1,600, very-large ones may cost $3,000 to $4,000,” Joe Reilly, the “nighttime mayor” for the Iowa Metropolis Downtown District group, mentioned. “All of it will depend on what sort of patio and what sort of area you’re occupying.”

Reilly mentioned the town requested his group to determine methods they may assist companies, and reducing these charges was one of many solutions.

“Our metropolis waived these charges for the previous two years, so there’s one thing that may be labored on,” Reilly mentioned. “The town simply must determine it.”

Robinson mentioned that she goes to proceed to prepare dinner up her burgers whereas the town decides if these charges needs to be lowered.

“The eating places have been hit a lot over the previous two years,” Robinson mentioned. “They want any assist they will get.”

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